A condition termed "Small Dog Syndrome" is a common malady I encounter in training dogs. It is frequently presented in small breed dogs and the general symptoms are problems with dog house training, aggression, separation anxiety, phobic reactions and diffused stress reactions.

The reason this is seen so frequently in small dogs is normally the fault of the owners. Accordingly, remedy for this Syndrome is only possible by owner education and owner behavior modification.

This may seem surprising since many people view the task of a dog trainer as one of strictly "fixing" the dog. However, the source of this problem is the owner and rehabilitation is impossible without the owner acknowledging and discarding bad owner behaviors.

The owner must first recognize that a dog is a dog, and All Dogs Are Like That. Because a dog weighs under ten pounds does not change the fundamental fact that it is still a dog. Consequently, just like you would not allow a 150 pound Rottweiler to jump up on you, one should not allow a small breed dog to jump and paw humans. To take the point further, if a 150 pound Rottweiler were to lunge and bark uncontrollably at every animal and human that they encountered on a walk, it is likely the owner would be reported to law enforcement. Yet it is a frequent sight in every neighborhood to encounter small breed dogs that lunge and bark like little demons until their owners scoop them up into their arms like naughty children. This strategy may keep the small dog from biting, but it is a short sighted strategy that actually worsens the problem.

Just like any other canine, small breed dogs need training, discipline and exercise. The dog must be taught to walk at a heel, sit, down and stay on command. Yet the major problem owners have is to recognize that all dogs need to work to earn food, praise and treats. It has been my experience that small breed dogs are often lavished with affection, food and treats for no other reason except that they are small and cute. Dogs do not understand this. In fact it makes them mentally ill. They interpret this cascade of affection without reason as submissive puppy-like behavior from their owners. In turn, they attempt to dominate and control their puppy/owners which can lead to aggression, separation anxiety and a host of neurotic behaviors. This is truly an instance where the phrase "killing with kindness" rings true.

There is no doubt in my mind that owners who smoother their dogs with affection and fail to discipline their inappropriate behavior do very much love their dogs. However, I am also of the opinion that it is the responsible dog owner's duty to respect that their dogs are indeed a different species with different needs. Truly loving your dog entails a responsibility to cast aside your misconceptions. Your dog is not a little four legged human and does not want to be human. Your dog, no matter how small or cute, wants to be a dog.

  1. If your dog sleeps in the bed with you, stop it. Now.

  2. Teach your dog to walk at proper heel. Do not carry your dog. His paws are for walking.

  3. Nothing in life is free. Have your dog work for food, rewards and especially affection.

  4. Do not tolerate bad dog behavior because your dog is small. Consistently enforce all your commands.

Finally, always remember that if you treat your dog like a human, they will treat you like a dog.